Oh Michelle, it all sounds so terrible. Being ordered to stay off the beaches I can understand on the one hand, safety must be a real concern, but still, I bet a whole bunch of people want to voluntarily try to help hands-on. It is your coast, not BP's! How are folks going to rescue sea birds and other wildlife if only the National Guard and law enforcement are allowed out there?! frown I can see not permitting anyone under a certain age but hope they will let small groups organise and help to look after all the little creatures.

I imagine one (of the many) big problems regardless of how the sloppy mess gets picked up, is how the waste can be carted off and managed. There are even salons way up here collecting hair clippings and I'd read of the hay idea too.. but the whole thing seems like an overwhelming nightmare. I've heard your governor speak a few times and he seems like a go-getter and not willing to wait to tackle what needs to be done. Hope he's a fighter!

Just wanted you to know that I'm worrying along with you all down there, feeling helpless and just hoping somehow, some way that your beautiful coast and environment won't be harmed too badly and will be able to recover. Michelle you just can't have another hurricane, don't even think about it! Take one day at a time.

Hang in there girl. hugss
mig